Brundle: Red flags were needed at the end of the race

FIA race director Nils Wittich’s decision to stop the race in Melbourne with red flags three times has sparked critical reaction in the Formula 1 world. There have been claims this was done for entertainment purposes only, but Britain’s Sky Sports expert Martin Brundle believes such assumptions are incorrect. far-fetched.

Martin Brundle: “I don’t think there are instructions to stop the race with red flags if it’s not necessary. It’s easy to stand aside and think about what you should be doing.

In 2009, Felipe Massa nearly died when a part from another car flew into his cockpit. In Melbourne, a street circuit, on both sides of which there are fans, but also marshals and doctors. If debris appears on the track, it should not fly through the air at a speed of several hundred miles per hour.

I believe that when Alex Albon flew off the track, the safety car was enough to remove his car and clear the track of gravel. Perhaps the safety car could have been omitted in that episode, but the red flags were needed at the end of the race when there was a lot of dirt from the tire and rim on the track.

I’m absolutely sure no one said, “Let’s make the race a little more fun.” Whether crystal clear decisions are made under pressure or not, we must not forget that we lost Charlie Whiting to Michael Masi a few years ago and everyone knows what happened in Abu Dhabi in 2021. Now we have a man named Niels Wittich.

Does he make the right decisions? It’s easy to talk about it on a Monday morning, without taking any responsibility for someone’s possible death or injury.

I think it’s fair for teams to be allowed to change tires during red flags. Usually the race is stopped after serious incidents, leaving a lot of debris on the track. Tires can receive minor cuts, the teams have the option of replacing them.

This now dramatically affects the course of the race and fans often feel it is unfair for someone to get a “free” pit stop thanks to red flags. Sometimes red flags play into a particular rider’s hands, and sometimes against him.

You should think carefully before changing the rules. In Melbourne, George Russell was unlucky with red flags, but luck may be on his side another day.